Life Fitness, Chicago Bears and United Way Help Students Get In Shape

SCHILLER PARK, Ill., Dec 18, 2008 – Life Fitness, the Chicago Bears and United Way of Metropolitan Chicago helped 50 Morton East High School students lower their collective body mass index (BMI) by 12 percentage points through their donation of the Life Fitness “Take the Pledge” program, and the new Chicago Bears Fitness Zone. Earlier this year, Life Fitness, the Chicago Bears and United Way presented fitness equipment, a one-day fitness camp led by the Chicago Bears rookie line-up, and nutritional and workout programs, to the students of Morton East High School, located in Cicero, Ill. through the 2008 United Way NFL Hometown Huddle.

According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about two-thirds of young people in grades 9 to 12 are not normally engaged in recommended levels of physical activity. Cicero children had a BMI of 13 percent, well above the Illinois average of 9.2 percent. Through the “Take the Pledge” program, each student engaged in cardio and strength workouts at least five days a week. The program outlined daily recommended exercises and nutrition tips promoting progression and success encouraging the students to participate in, and commit to, aerobic activity.  
“The kids were really dedicated and excited to be participating in a defined fitness program,” said Steve Lemon, athletic director for Morton East High School. “Each of our students made a solid commitment to physical fitness and really saw great results.”

“We are grateful to Life Fitness for providing this amazing equipment and programming that makes getting--and staying fit--so much fun,” said José L. Santillan, CFA, United Way Board member. “Helping youth grow up healthy is one of the main goals of the United Way Latino Initiative. With the right tools, they can have better health—an important building block as they transition into adulthood.”        

Students who completed the 10-week program received Chicago Bears gift bags compliments of the team. 

About Life Fitness

Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), is the global leader in designing and manufacturing a full line of high-quality fitness equipment for commercial and consumer use. It is the largest commercial fitness equipment provider in the world and the only fitness equipment manufacturer that has been providing premium equipment for nearly 30 years. Life Fitness’ cardiovascular and strength-training products, including the renowned Lifecycle exercise bike, are used worldwide in health clubs, fitness centers and wellness facilities, as well as in homes. The company is headquartered near Chicago, in Schiller Park, Ill., and distributes its equipment in more than 120 countries.

Life Fitness and Lifecycle are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation.

Life Fitness, 5100 River Road, Schiller Park, Ill. 60176. Phone: 847.288.3300, www.lifefitness.com

About United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago improves lives by mobilizes caring people to invest in the community where it’s needed most. People engage with United Way to give, advocate and volunteer in their community to advance the common good.  Spanning 238 communities across six counties, United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region. By promoting education, income and health, United Way creates opportunities for people to live a stable, healthy and independent life.

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